The Millennium Ribble Link provides a navigable link between the Lancaster Canal and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, via the tidal River Ribble. Previously, such a transfer required a coastal passage between the Ribble and Lune estuaries, to access the Lancaster Canal at Glasson Dock.
Although it was originally intended to link the Lancaster Canal directly to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, this was never achieved. The crossing of the Ribble proved to be a bridge too far. A temporary tramway was built, but the railway age then took hold.
The link was opened in 2002, and is about 4km long.
It was built by canalising Savick Brook. It is only open during the summer months when the tides are favourable, and may also be closed due to weather conditions or flood. It is only open in one direction on any particular day, presumably due to the lack of passing places and the requirement for assistance from British Waterways (now the Canal and Rivers Trust) staff at both ends of the link.
I understand that the link has to be frequently dredged due to the high flows in Savick Brook.
British Waterways stated, "The Millennium Ribble Link will provide an exciting challenge for all keen boaters."